This November marks a remarkable milestone for our parish. We're celebrating 150 years of God's faithfulness at Sumner-Redcliffs, and we want you to be part of it. From Tuesday 24 to Sunday 29 November, we're holding a full week of celebration,with something for everyone across the days. Here's what's on.
Tuesday evening we'll gather at Nayland St Chapel for a contemporary worship night. A chance to come together, sing, and give thanksfor all that God has done over a century and a half.
Wednesday we're opening up the old All Saints church site and memorial garden on Wakefield Ave for parishioners to visit. For many of us this is sacred ground, full of history and memory, and it's a special opportunity to walk it and reflect.
Thursday evening we'll host an evening of drinks and canapes, a relaxed chance to swap fond memories and stories from the life of the church over the years. We'll also have a space for you to write down your key memories. These will be gathered into a special book that we'll make availableon the Sunday.
Saturday evening brings something a bit different. We're throwing a traditional Ceilidh, a Scottish dancing party. St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and this year is also the 120th anniversary of St Andrew's Church, Redcliffs, so it felt only right. This one is ticketed and catered, so keep an eye out for booking details.
Then Sunday is the big finish. We'll have a combined service at 10.30am in the Sumner School Hall, joined by Bishop Peter, for the occasion. Afterwards we'll spill out onto the school field for a shared lunch (inside if the weather turns), with a bouncy castle, candy floss, a large BBQ feast, and photos tracing the history of the parish across the decades. We'll also have a commemorative book available to purchase to mark the 150th.
It's going to be a week to remember. Whether you've been here for decades or only joined us recently, you're part of this story now. Come and celebrate 150 years with us, and think about who you might bring along to share it.
